The whole point of a vacation is to relax and relieve stress, it should not be a constant stream of worrying situations. As calming as going out of town can be, a few unprepared incidents can easily turn your trip into an overwhelming situation.
Mexico is a vibrant, beautiful country filled with welcoming people, lively energy that makes you have a zest for life, impressive architecture, a long history, and appetizing food. While hot spots like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are some of the country’s most popular destinations, there are lots of places to check out beyond the usual tourist spots. In order to increase your odds of having a safe and enjoyable vacation, follow these tips:

1. Research your destination. The US State Department’s Web site has information about Mexico as well as up-to-date travel warnings and public announcements regarding safety issues for travelers.

2. Scan your passport and travel documents such as birth certificates, driver's license, etc., and e-mail them to yourself. That way, if your documents are lost or stolen you can simply access copies from your e-mail account.

3. If you like snorkeling, buy your own gear and take it with you on vacation. In many places, you can dive directly from the beach at any time, saving on tourist fees.

4. Try and speak some Spanish. Native speakers will appreciate your efforts to talk to them in their own language despite your struggles.

5. Wear linen and cotton. If you see locals wearing long pants and wonder how they do it, it’s because of natural fabrics like linen and cotton, which are very breathable. Synthetics like polyester, in contrast, tend to trap body heat.

6. Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling; otherwise, they may block transactions, and you can ask to fix a daily spending or withdrawal limit as well as request that they contact you via telephone regarding any suspicious charges. Choose ATMs in malls or stores if possible. Avoid using ATMs at night or in abandoned places. When you withdraw money from an ATM, put it away immediately. ATM kidnappings are common in some areas.

7. In Mexico City, simply hailing a taxi can be a safety hazard. Have your hotel call a taxi for you. They will write down the taxi number and the name of the driver. There are official taxis (Authorized Taxis generally in maroon and gold colors) at the airport and at the bus stations in Mexico City and other major cities that you must take.

8. It’s a common warning for travelers in Mexico — be careful of ice in beverages at restaurants, and avoid using tap water to brush your teeth as well. Drinking water in a new place can make you feel sick anywhere, not only in Mexico, but even locals in Mexico don’t trust their tap water.

9. Create your own first aid kit. Bandaids, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, triple antibiotic ointment, Benadryl pills, especially when you travel with your children.

A vacation to this magnificent place is hard to forget the experience of a lifetime. It is such an enormous destination which is a blending of stunning beaches with exciting activities and great accommodations all at a reasonable price. A tropical paradise as it is being called; it never falls short to surprise its guests, and offers this break for the holidays and vacation as unforgettable as it can be.